Google Code Jam is a programming competition in which professional and student programmers are asked to solve complex algorithmic challenges in a limited amount of time. The contest is all-inclusive: Google Code Jam lets you compete in the programming language and development environment of your choice.

Who all can participate:

• Anyone at & over the age of 13 is allowed to participate in the contest.

• The finals will take part on-site where the finalists will be required to travel. If you are not over 18, you will not be eligible to travel to the on-site finals.

Google Code Jam takes place over the course of multiple "Rounds," fixed time frames in which contestants compete to solve a set of algorithmic problems. Rounds take place at scheduled times. Contestants who do well enough in a round advance to future rounds, until the finals, in which the champion is decided. Rounds are of different lengths, varying from 2 hours to 4 hours; except for the Qualification Round, which lasts 25 hours.

PS: Don't forget to practice and learn on the website! It’s a good idea to check out the competition arena and get comfortable with the interface, competition format and types of problems that you’ll encounter in the contest.